We Got Served

Regular readers will know I’m a fan of networking over power lines for those rooms in the house where you really need a decent connection, and wireless may be a little patchy. I use Netgear’s adaptors for the DMR in the lounge which is connected through to the router and allows me to access my home server’s music, video and photos folders at near Ethernet speeds.

One product I’m keen to check out here at CES has just been announced by Zyxel, which is a digital media adaptor with built in HomePlug AV Powerline technology. This provides a nicely integrated media adaptor and easy networking solution in one box, which sounds great for Windows Home Server.

Here’s their release:

ZyXEL Extends Industry’s Most Comprehensive Powerline Product Offering With The New HomePlug AV Digital Media Adapter

HomePlug-driven Digital Media Streamer Simplifies Sharing Movies, Music and More Throughout the Home

LAS VEGAS, January 7, 2008 – Responding to the increasing consumer demand for a simple solution that will allow users to easily share and enjoy pictures, video and music on an HD television and entertainment center, ZyXEL Communications Inc, today announced the DMA1100P, the first digital media adapter with built-in HomePlug AV Powerline technology. Power-packed with support for 1080i high definition (HD) streaming, HDMI connection to HDTV and USB 2.0 support, the DMA1100P streams digital music and HD video to the home entertainment system with ease over existing power lines in the home.

The DMA1100P streams HD digital content to a user’s home entertainment system from a home computer, or network storage devices over power lines, using the built-in HomePlug AV technology, at up to 200 Mbps. Once connected to the network and the home entertainment system, it can be set up by using the included remote control. It automatically discovers all media files from DLNA supported devices and makes them available for browsing and playback. A DLNA server is included with the appliance, on a CD for easy installation on the home computer.

“Consumers are collecting gigabytes of digital pictures, videos and music and need an easy way to share and view these on their HDTVs and entertainment centers,” said Munira Brooks, senior vice president of sales, marketing and business development for ZyXEL, “The addition of ZyXEL’s Powerline enabled digital streamer answers this need and simplifies connectivity throughout the digital home.”

As the Powerline market leader, ZyXEL has developed a series of industry first products that enable users to network their home or extend their existing wireless network. HomePlug AV (Audio Video) technology was designed from the ground up to stream HD media with steady high throughput that is necessary for such applications. ZyXEL’s HomePlug AV Powerline product family was launched last year with its PLA400 and PLA401, Powerline Ethernet adapters (desktop and wall mount options) and P660HWP, an ADLS2+ gateway with HomePlug AV and WiFi built-in. ZyXEL’s P660HWP is an Honoree of the 2008 International CES Innovation Design and Engineering Award. ZyXEL has also added a Powerline wireless router, wireless access point and a 4-port Ethernet switch. With the DMA1100P, ZyXEL offers a complete Powerline solution and adds to a comprehensive HomePlug AV product line.

“ZyXEL is a market share leader in residential gateways, and a strong vendor in other broadband networking solutions for service providers and consumers. As an early competitor for new HomePlug AV devices, ZyXEL sees how HomePlug can match the needs of the consumer,” said Joyce Putscher, principal analyst for home networking/digital home research at In-Stat. “There is a strong demand for simple home networking solutions and the HomePlug Powerline standard continues to gain momentum.”

The DMA1100P and the NSA220 – ZyXEL’s network attached storage and media server make a great solution for centrally storing, organizing, sharing and streaming media anywhere in the house or home office.

Pricing and Availability
The DMA1100P will be available in February, through ZyXEL’s approved channel partners and Retail/eCommerce partners. MSRP for the DMA1100P is $269.99. For more information about ZyXEL’s Digital Home product line, please call 1-800-255-4101.

About ZyXEL Communications
ZyXEL Communications, Inc., with North American headquarters in Anaheim, Calif., is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of broadband networking and Internet connectivity/routing products for service providers, solution providers, small to medium businesses and consumers. With expertise in diverse technologies like network security, wireless, Ethernet, powerline networking, VoIP, xDSL, cable, and WiMAX, ZyXEL offers integrated secure network solutions to all our customers. ZyXEL’s North American distributors include Ingram Micro, Jenne, Tech Data and Wynit. ZyXEL offers its channel partners industry leading incentives with a full line of enterprise-class networking products scaled to meet the requirements of the mid-market through the North America ZySTAR Channel Program. For more information on ZyXEL Communications and its broadband solutions, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.us.zyxel.com.